Stewart-Cousins was the first female in state history to lead her party. She was also part of the first state delegation, along with Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to visit Cuba after the process of normalization between the communist nation and the U.S. began.

"Its a humbling, humbling role to play," Stewart-Cousins told Daily Voice. "The obligation of being first in anything--especially if its a good thing--is to leave a path so you won't be the last."

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie announced the framework of a three-way agreement on a number of priorities for the end of the 2015-16 legislative session.

The three-way agreement includes the following reforms and actions, among others:

Strengthening and Extending Rent Laws in New York City and Other Metropolitan Areas

Senator Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Mike Cusick are hosting an opiate overdose prevention event at I.S. 75 Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30th to teach Staten Island residents how to respond in the event of an opiate overdose.

Attendees will learn how to recognize an overdose, what to do and how to administer Narcan, a brand name for the medication naloxone, which reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Upon completion of the course attendees will be certified to administer Narcan and will receive a free Narcan kit to bring home.

June 23, 2015 - On this Your Voice cable program, Senator John A. DeFrancisco talks about ethics in government. He also discusses the status of the Women's Equality Agenda this year and how the State is addressing sex crimes on college campuses.

Additionally, Senator DeFrancisco explains why he voted against a bill to limit the amount of information required to formally change a person's name. He also shares his thoughts on the Governor's proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility.

Finally on the program, Senator DeFrancisco promotes his bill that would require the annual inspection of tinted vehicle windows, and he expresses his frustration with the Assembly's lack of action on Tiffany Heitkamp's Law, which recently passed the Senate.

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) has issued the following statement following today’s announcement of the City’s designation of Asian Lunar New Year as an official Department of Education school holiday:

“Today, I am pleased that the City has made official the recognition of the Asian Lunar New Year, following the State Legislature’s approval of such legislation. Today, we can all agree that New York has fulfilled its promise to the Asian American community to make the Lunar New Year an official school holiday,” said Senator Marty Golden.

State Senator James Sanders (D-Rochdale) hosted a Father's Day Comedy Show on June 21, 2015 at August Martin High School. The performers included comedians Ray DeJon, Damon Rozier and SINC, singers Petawane and Jezel Loren, and music was provided by DJ "A." About 900 people attended the free show, which revolved around dad-related humor and stories. A complimentary meal was provided by Golden Krust on Parsons Boulevard. Other sponsors were Cross Island Realtors, My Ideal Property, Evers Pharmacy, Holistic Concerns and Home Depot.

Senator Joe Addabbo helps Major Joe Irvine of the Salvation Army cut the ribbon on its new store on 73-26 Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village, selling clothing, furniture, appliances, accessories, jewelry, toys and more.

(Bronx, NY)- Senator Serrano held a joint Constituent Services Hours and IDNYC Information Session at the Highbridge Senior Center in the Bronx. IDNYC is a new municipal identification card for New York City residents. The card serves as a government-issued photo identification card and allows card holders to access services and programs offered by the City and local businesses.

Senator Martins presented Vincent, Peter, and Garrett with legislative resolutions he sponsored, which were passed by the Senate, honoring them for achieving Scouting’s highest rank. With passage of the resolutions, their accomplishments will forever be part of the New York State Senate’s official record.

Queens residents who have not fully completed Build it Back applications have until Tuesday, June 30, to submit any pending paperwork needed to receive funds for construction on new homes.

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo is urging homeowners to schedule their damage assessment and complete the application process. The initiative, which began in 2012 to assist homeowners whose property was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, is responsible for rebuilding 262 Queens homes since 2014.

Queens, NY (June 22, 2015) Calling it a “forward-looking approach to cutting back on state workforce injuries and potentially saving on disability and workers’ compensation costs,” NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. today announced that legislation (S.2842) he sponsors to implement the “State Workforce Injury Reduction Act” has been approved by the full State Senate.

Queens, NY (June 22, 2015) In an effort to provide enhanced services for elderly New York residents and others who need assistance at home after leaving health care facilities, NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. recently voted to approve legislation (S.676) he co-sponsors to provide greater information and assistance to unpaid family, friends and neighbors who step in to lend a helping hand to discharged patients. The bill has now been approved by both the Senate and Assembly, and will be sent to the Governor for his consideration.